Trans kids please pay attention!
If you’re currently on HRT or planning to get surgery, smoking can be *especially* dangerous and may prevent you from receiving that care.
Smoking while taking feminizing hormones exponentially increases your risk of cancer. Why? Because your breast tissue (which is right above your lungs) is growing, which requires more oxygen & blood. If you’re smoking, that oxygen can contain carcinogens, which will now be stored in all that brand new tissue.
Smoking while on estrogen also increases the risk of blood clots & heart attack
Nicotine REDUCES the circulation of estrogen, so it can essentially nullify your hormones.
Being a smoker puts you at higher risk during surgery by minimizing circulation, which can lead to infection and even tissue death.
Tobacco companies *specifically* target the LGBT+ community (e.g. pride events, bars, etc) because they know we are 1. less likely to quit 2. face higher levels of stress 3. are less likely to have health insurance
Please know, I’m not sharing this information as scare tactic, but rather trans folks are often not given this information or have providers who aren’t aware of it.
You matter. Your body and health matters. We’re here for you ❤